I've raised £1000 to help Eric (Joyces Fiance) to be able to stay in his home in Gambia and start to rebuild his life after Joyce tragically died last month.
Organised by celia bownass
Story
My best friend Joyce died suddenly and unexpectedly in Jan 2019. We had not long returned from Gambia where she got engaged to Eric. We first went to Gambia just over 2 years ago - where she fell in love with both The Gambia and Eric.
This is not about keeping Eric in luxury it's about keeping a roof over his head. It's a second hand mattress on the floor for a bedroom. A sofa that's falling apart, second hand fridge and a kettle for his living area. No TV, no table, no wardrobes. This is Erics home. Without help he will be homeless.
When Eric rang she would light up like a light bulb and they would be on the phone for ages, talking singing and laughing. Not just once a day but 2 or 3 and whatsapp messages as well. 3 visits a year 2 years later, life was good and plans were being made. She was looking into how she could spend more time in The Gambia(6 months in UK 6 months in The Gambia) she started retraining so she could work while she was there. The next trip .
The Gambia is a very poor country with it's main industry being tourism which only has a short season. Those lucky enough to get a wage are paid peanuts, others rely on tips from the tourists to survive. Currently Eric is having to rely on the tourism industry and without Joyces help is likely to be homeless within a short period of time.
As best friends Joyce and I have had the "what if??" conversations - but sadly never got around to doing anything about it. I know from these conversations that it was important for her that Eric kept his own living space (not sharing a room with one bed and 4 people) and to have a way of making his own living without having to rely on tourism. We had many conversations of Eric having a car and becoming a taxi driver but finances for this were not available to make this happen at the time.
£1000 will ensure Eric is able to pay his rent for over 1 year and take away the risk of being homeless, an extra £4000 will enable him to buy a car and start as a Taxi driver (the main mode of transport in the Gambia)
Any help will be gratefully received.
